Only one oppositional activist out of 10 pro-dem politicians who submitted their applications was registered as a candidate for the town council, with 33 out of 36 Baranavichy constituencies being non-alternative.

At a meeting held on 25 March, Baranavichy town election commission announced that ‘hosts of mistakes and inaccuracies’ had been found in the applications submitted by the opposition activists, while those by the pro-state candidates were perfectly drawn up. Therefore, nine out of ten opposition applications were turned down, including four BCD members (Aliaksandr Kabiak, Halina Yarashevich, Siarhei Zabenka and Aleh Malashchanka) and representatives of other pro-dem parties: Anzhela Kambalava (UCP), Viktar Meziak (BPF), Viktar Tsiapin (Just World), Ryhor Hryk (For Freedom) etc.

The only activist who will be able to run for the town council is a ‘Just World’ member Aliaksandr Halkevich.

The majority of the activists are going to appeal the refusals at Brest Regional Election Commission.

Journalists of the ‘Intex-press’ independent newspaper were not allowed to attend the meeting by the commission head Yury Shastsiarniou, which is a violation of Article 13 of the Electoral Code.